3 Reasons to go to INDEX this year

As if you needed any excuse to head to one of the design capitals for this years INDEX design series in Dubai, UAE. But here you go, here’s three.

1. Bethan Gray: Shamsian Collection

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Bethan Gray, winner of the prestigious ‘Best British Designer’ award, has an extraordinary background. Her family hails from an ancient Rajasthani clan that over centuries migrated across Arabia and Persia before settling in the Celtic heartland of Wales. It’s a journey and heritage that weaves a rich pattern of influences and inspirations, which draw on craft traditions of both East and West. To this Bethan adds an innate ability to translate and transform a variety of cultural references into iconic contemporary pieces.

 “Cultural referencing is at heart of my design philosophy. Through my travels and research I’m inspired to create original contemporary pieces that resonate with global, as well as local, audiences. I’m particularly drawn to the graphic nature of Islamic art and craft.”

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2. Henry Holland

hhAfter graduating from the London College of Printing with a BA in journalism, Henry Holland was catapulted into the fashion limelight. Now in its 10th year, House of Holland is firmly established in the international fashion arena and in January 2012 was awarded a two-season fashion forward sponsorship.

One of Britain’s most exciting designers, Henry has carried his fashion philosophy seamlessly into his interior endeavors. The 33-year-old is making his INDEX debut just two months after the launch of his second interiors range with British décor giants Habitat, following the remarkable success of his debut line a year earlier. His style is famed for being bold and brash, featuring bright colours and a range of textures and patterns.HENRYHOXTON 11979

“I see a lot of synergies between fashion and homeware – both in print as well as fabrication and techniques. For me the process is not completely alien but a learning experience of working in different scales, different formats and in different materials.”

3. Creative Director, Jo Hamilton

HyperFocal: 0Jo Hamilton, creative director at Jo Hamilton Interiors, is widely regarded as one of the UK’s leading interior designers, noted for her confident grasp of colour, intelligent use of space and luxury aesthetic. She is also a respected public speaker, writer, design commentator, property finder and broadcaster.

Jo has been running her own interior design consultancy since 1995 and has been involved in many high-end developments in both Britain and overseas. Projects have ranged from exclusive city apartments to stylish country retreats; from bars, clubs and restaurants to homes, offices and hotels. She has also designed interiors for yachts and private jets.
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“The theme Index is taking this year is an exciting one. Nature is a great starting place for any design and offers a wealth of inspiration on colour, texture and light…People understand they need to physically light a space but often mood lighting is missed out. It’s really important to be creative here. Nature uses layer after layer of texture and the results are beautiful.”

Bethan, Henry and Jo will be appearing as a keynote speakers at the OFIS sponsored Design Talks at this years INDEX Design Series.

Fore more information go to www.indexdesignseries.com

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About Alys Bryan

Alys is a knowledgeable design editor who is focused on instigating conversations, both online and in-person, with industry experts which challenge, educate and advance the commercial interior sector. Her training and 15 years of professional experience as a furniture designer for the commercial sector makes her uniquely placed to lead Design Insider as Editor
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